In a perfect world, Jacob Markstrom would sign a new deal that’s under $6 million annually without a no-trade or movement clause; leaving the Vancouver Canucks with the option to expose him in the Seattle expansion draft while splitting netminding duties next season with Thatcher Demko.

However, we’ve known for a long time now that this world isn’t perfect, especially in the flat cap world the Canucks now live in. The team’s MVP of the past two seasons deserves a pretty hefty pay raise from his modest $3.66 million dollar cap hit. The Canucks may decide that they don’t want to be the ones handing out that hefty pay raise.

Now, in the case that Markstrom does leave in October, the Canucks do have some options on who to replace him with and help Demko grow in this league. Another free agent goaltender not named Markstrom would also cost the team less on the salary cap.

In a condensed season that may even feature travel, having two goalies will be key to maintain a playoff spot. Ideally, that would be Markstrom, but there are more than a few teams who could be gearing up big offers to get Markstrom to leave Vancouver.

Here are some potential targets that can help Demko hold down the fort next year if Markstrom departs.

Greiss, who will be turning 35 this January, has played in 101 games in the past three seasons on the long island while making $3.33 million per year.

During his time with the Islanders, Greiss has shared the net with Jaroslav Halak, Robin Lehner, and Semyon Varlamov. Greiss is a reliable veteran who can hold his own when called upon could be a great safety net for Demko if things go sideways.

This year in 25 games started or more among goalies, Greiss ranks in the top 25 in both goals-against average and save percentage with a 2.27 GAA and a .913 SV%. While in the 2020 playoffs, he is spotting a 2.02GAA and a .929SV% thus far.

Suppose Greiss decides not to hang-up the laces or go back home to Germany, he could be a great addition who would provide stability and help Demko grow.

In the 2019-20 season, Talbot signed with the Flames where he and David Rittich battled for the number one spot that eventually went to Rittich.

In 26 games, Talbot ranked in the top 20 in both goals-against averages and save percentage with a minimum of 25 games started. Sporting a 2.63 goals against average and a .919 save percentage, Talbot’s numbers are respectable for a backup goalie who will be making the same or less than $2.750 million, which is what he made this previous season.

Ranked first in the league in save percentage with a save percentage of .930 and second in goals-against with 2.22 (among goalies who started 25 or more games), Khudobin suited up 30 times for the Stars this season while Bishop got the nod 44 times.

Spending time in Boston before donning the Stars sweater, Khudobin’s average from the last three years is pretty good.

Currently making $2.5 million per year, even if a raise is in order for the 11-year veteran, it won’t be much and will be less than 3.6 million.

Khudobin has a proven track record and would be great for the Canucks.

With a .899 save percentage and 2.87 goals-against average, Elliott’s role would be mostly in helping Demko emerge as a top-five goalie in the league while providing some relief in both appearances and cap space if he decides not to hang them up.

Elliott is an unrestricted free agent who made $2 million on a one year deal with the Flyers this past season.

All four goalies mentioned above would provide stability and mentorship to Demko for the next few seasons, should the Canucks let Markstrom walk.